"When these operators actually do have something tangible to offer their callers, they jump at the chance." 1/9

So starts a really accurate and visceral description of the work of reducing #transportation #access barriers, aka #mobilitymanagement. It's a #podcast segment about @AlamedaCounty employees who answer a hotline for #homeless residents. 2/9

A man is eligible for a spot in a shelter that night--but only if he can get there from his #dialysis center in 45 minutes. #Transit would take too long and he doesn't have money for the fare, but there's a subsidized @Lyft program he can use. 3/9

The employee stays on the phone as the first vehicle leaves without him, a second one is scheduled, and the man starts his trip. After she hangs up, she just has to hope he makes it on time and isn't turned away for being late. 4/9

It brought back a lot of stressful days overseeing a similar service at @AtlantaRegional and @UHC (to say nothing of the stress of actually being the person who can't travel when and how they want to). 5/9

Too often if you need help there is no option because you're ineligible or the waitlist is closed or the money ran out: if you can't access #transit, and you can't walk, you can't travel. 6/9

As #urbanplanners we usually think at a macro level, but to solve the problem of #mobility and the unequal system we've created, we have to understand all the individual barriers and work to get rid of them. 7/9

It also reminded me that we sometimes forget that for most people, the trip is just a means to an end, and that when our system prohibits travel, we make it harder to work or get medical care or just live your life and see your friends. 8/9

Segment is minute 54-60 on @ThisAmerLife: https://www.thisamericanlife.org/729/making-the-cut #CripTheVote 9/9